What is Beef Shank

Beef shank is a very rich flavored cut, but one that’s somewhat overlooked. Why? If you don’t cook it correctly, it becomes tough. See, beef shank comes from the leg of the cow above the knee but beneath the brisket. This means the shank has a lot of connective tissue.

THE RUB FOR RICH BEEF CUTS

Cuso’s Dirt® Seasoning

Cuso’s flagship steakhouse blend — rosemary, thyme & a minced-garlic backbone built for cuts like shank. $9.99.

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The best way to make your beef shank shin is by braising or stewing. If you like slow cooking, you’ll love working with beef shank. One tip: Make sure to save the marrow. It tastes buttery and makes a lovely side dish. Alternatively, use it in making stock.

The Thor’s Hammer Beef Shank 

Norse mythology speaks of the Mjolnir, Thor’s Hammer. It was so big that no one other than the Thunder God himself could wield it. The hammer could bring great destruction, but God also used it to bestow blessings. 

This recipe alludes to Thor’s Hammer because, well, it’s huge and shaped like a hammer! Now that you know what beef shank is, I think you’ll really enjoy this meal. These are big, so each one can serve 1-2 people depending on how heavy your side dishes are and each person’s appetite.

Ingredients  

• 1 Beef Shank
• 1 Cup Hot Sauce (Frank’s is a good choice)
• 10 Irish Red Beers **
• Salt 
• Cuso’s Dirt BBQ Rub 

** If you prefer wine, Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Zinfandel

Instructions

1. Preheat the smoker to 225F
2. Carefully remove the heavy fat from the shank’s exterior
3. Douse it with the hot sauce
4. Sprinkle it with salt and  Cuso’s Dirt BBQ Rub on it liberally
5. Smoke for 8 hours
6. Pour a bottle of beer into a spritzer bottle. Spray the shank with one bottle every hour.
7. When the thickest part of the interior reads 170F remove it from the heat
8. Lay out a piece of aluminum and bring it up around the shank part way
9. Pour another bottle of beer over it, then close the top. 
10. Return it to the smoker until the meat reaches 200F
11. Rest the meat for 90 minutes

What about the 10th bottle of beer? That one’s for you!

PitMaster’s Memo: Popular Foods that Use Beef Shank

You find Beef Shank in numerous recipes around the world, including

• Barbacoa
• Beef Bourguignon: A dish that features beef shank
• Beef n’ Beer
• Beef Shank Casserole
• Beef Pho
• Beef Shank Stew
• Braised Shank with Mushrooms
• Braise Shank with Wine and Tarragon
• Bulalo: Filipino Beef Shank Stew
• Cazuela: A 19th-century Chilean dish
• Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
• Curry
• Fragrant Taiwaneese Shank
• Garlic Beef Shank (slow cooker)
• Goulash: Hungarian Stew 
• Ground Beef
• Nihari: A piquant Pakistani recipe featuring beef shank
• Osso buco: An Italian dish that incorporates beef shank
• Ragu
• Roasted Beef Shank
• Smoked Beef Shank
• Stroganoff

Sides

Cheesy garlic rice

Grilled green beans

Polenta

Seasoned root vegetables

Vegetable tray

Desserts

Apple Crisp

German chocolate cake

Mandarin orange custard

Rhubarb tart

White chocolate fondue

From the Bar

Cola

Iced tea cocktail

Irish red

Marsala wine

Whisky

TRIED THIS AT HOME?

Cuso’s Dirt® Seasoning

Cuso’s flagship steakhouse blend — rosemary, thyme & a minced-garlic backbone built for cuts like shank. $9.99.

Want variety? Build your own pack and save up to 18% → · Free shipping on orders $59+

Shop the Rub →